This marina in Alabama used BIG funds in 2022 to renovate an existing 460-foot transient dock by adding new dockside power pedestals, providing water service, and replacing worn decking and flotation. Alabama Department of Environmental Management
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This deep-draft harbor in New York now offers 64 slips for visiting boaters after receiving a 2020 Boating Infrastructure Grant.
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SPRINGFIELD, Va., Nov 14, 2024 – Boaters exploring by water need safe dockage that allows easy shoreside access, but it’s not always available. If your municipality or marina isn’t meeting the needs of transient boaters, the Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) Program could provide matching funds for public and private projects that construct, renovate or maintain safe dockage for larger transient recreational boats – those over 26 feet in length and typically staying overnight. With the 2026 grant cycle funding to be announced in June 2025, now is the time to start working on a winning BIG application.

Initiated by BoatUS more than two decades ago, BIG is administered today by the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and state agencies, who serve as a pipeline for all incoming applications.

“The sole purpose of the BIG program is to provide the safe, overnight dockage that visiting boaters need,” said BoatUS vice president of Public Affairs Scott Croft. “BIG not only opens greater opportunities to recreate on the water, but helps communities unlock access to vital services and amenities.”

Boaters and manufacturers fund the program through excise taxes and duties on boating fuels and certain fishing and boating equipment, directed to the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund administered by USFWS. Since its inception in 2000, BIG has provided $300 million for safe harbor facilities including infrastructure such as piers, breakwaters, floating docks, bulkheads, mooring buoys, day docks, dinghy docks, slips, bathrooms, showers, laundries, recycling stations, fuel docks, utilities, navigation aids, limited dredging and other services.

The BIG program has two tiers to fund both small and large projects. Tier 1 provides maximum federal funding of $300,000 per state annually on an as-needed basis. Tier 2 funding is nationally competitive and is typically for larger-scale projects with a maximum federal funding match of $1.5 million. For both tiers, at least 25% matching funds are required.

Municipalities, marinas and boat clubs can check with their state’s BIG administrator – often a boating, wildlife, other agency – on how to apply for 2026 grant cycle. Additional help may be available by contacting your state’s boating law administrator. Some state BIG information may be also found online.

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Boating Infrastructure Grants (BIG) are economic engines for local communities that benefit traveling boaters by offering safe overnight dockage and easy access to towns and waterfronts. Here’s how to apply  https://bit.ly/4eykn0x  @BoatUS @USFish #boatinggrants #boatinginfrastructuregrant #marinaimprovements #waterfront projects #harborinvestment #grantopportunity

About Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS):

Celebrating more than 55 years, BoatUS is the nation’s largest advocacy, services and safety group with more than 725,000 dues-paying members. BoatUS is the boat owners’ voice on Capitol Hill, fighting for their rights. The TowBoatUS® fleet is available 24/7 to assist our members on the water when boats break down or run aground with some 600 vessels and 300-plus locations across North America, bringing our members safely back to the launch ramp, marina or dock. On the road, we are The Boat Owners Auto Club™, helping ensure roadside trailer and tow vehicle breakdowns won’t slow you down. BoatUS offers GEICO boat insurance policies that give boat owners affordable, specialized coverage and the superior service they need. Award-winning BoatUS Magazine is the largest circulation recreational marine publication in the U.S. with engaging content that speaks to the passion for boat ownership, while our 501(c)(3) nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water offers the nation’s only free online boating safety course and many other programs that keep boaters safe and our waters clean. Visit BoatUS.com.